Easy Scientific

Vegan Diet Slows Aging and Boosts Health, Study Finds

Article Image

Credit: Forth With Life, Flickr CC BY 2.0

Different diets can significantly impact our genes and the aging process, as shown in a comparison of vegan and omnivorous diets on twins over eight weeks. The research revealed that a vegan diet can slow down aging at the molecular level.

The study involved 21 pairs of twins, each following either a vegan or an omnivorous diet. By examining DNA methylation, a process that changes how genes function without altering the DNA sequence, scientists measured epigenetic age acceleration, which indicates the speed of a person's biological clock.

Twins on the vegan diet experienced a notable decrease in their epigenetic age acceleration, suggesting that a plant-based diet can help slow aging. Improvements were also observed in specific health markers related to inflammation, heart health, and metabolism.

In contrast, the omnivorous diet did not show significant changes in these markers, highlighting the profound impact of dietary choices on health and aging.

The findings underscore the importance of diet in maintaining health and delaying aging, suggesting that consuming more plant-based foods could be a beneficial strategy for a longer, healthier life. However, proper nutrient supplementation is essential in vegan diets to prevent deficiencies.

This study offers valuable insights into how dietary choices influence genes and the aging process, opening up possibilities for personalized nutrition strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging.

BMC Med, 2024; doi: 10.1186/s12916-024-03513-w